I love looking at and having beautiful things, but I am incredibly cheap. Really. I've found that the perfect way to indulge my desire for flowers on a tight budget is to buy a only few of my favorite stems and place them strategically in bud vases.
Ideally, these stems would always be beautiful peonies or ranunculus (plural, ranunculi?), but I think almost anything looks artistic and elegant when it's on its own in a pretty vase. And maybe it's overkill, but having a single bloom in the bathroom next to the sink always makes me happy.
So classic and elegant, this would be beautiful with white hydrangeas.
I would keep these delicate urchin-inspired beauties as a grouping.
No bud vase? Use a tall shot glass! Just be sure it doesn't scream "spring break in Jamaica," unless that's the look you're going for.
My grandma has these and I think they are really unique. Napkin rings seem to have fallen out of favor as of late (unfortunately), but this is such a fun twist on the tradition.
This is just a beautiful objet. Even a cluster of white carnations would be instantly elevated in this antique.
These have a worn but still refined elegance.
These could go modern or classic depending on the blooms.
Ikea Blomster vase, $3.99 
Totally wild. Definitely conversation starters.
Buy one for yourself and give one as a hostess gift with a beautiful stem. It's inexpensive, but can have a big impact.
CB2 Flat Mini Bud Vase, $2.50 
These have a wonderful understated Martha Stewart-esque quality.
Just so whimsical and fun.
Antique Japan Birds Double Bud Vase, $39.95
